Record-breaking Fakhar leads Pakistan to memorable three-wicket win over Sri Lanka

Record-breaking Fakhar leads Pakistan to memorable three-wicket win over Sri Lanka

By Nawaz Gohar ; Pakistan crowned themselves ODI tri-series champions after producing a breathtaking run chase to defeat Sri Lanka by three wickets in a pulsating final at Gaddafi Stadium on Saturday. 

Veteran opener Fakhar Zaman delivered a record-breaking masterclass with a blistering 127, while late fireworks from Arafat Minhas and a match-winning six from captain Shaheen Shah Afridi completed one of Pakistan's most memorable victories.

Chasing a daunting target of 326, Pakistan recovered from an early collapse to overhaul the total with nine balls to spare, capping off a remarkable comeback that showcased resilience, fearless strokeplay, and composure under pressure.

Pakistan's pursuit got off to the worst possible start as Sri Lankan pacer Dilshan Madushanka ripped through the top order inside the opening two overs. He dismissed Maaz Sadaqat for five before removing Babar Azam for a duck, reducing the hosts to a precarious 14-2.

With the pressure mounting, young wicketkeeper-batter Saad Baig joined Fakhar at the crease, and together they transformed the contest.

The pair stitched together a magnificent 149-run partnership for the third wicket, wresting control from Sri Lanka through a blend of calculated aggression and elegant stroke-making.

Saad played with remarkable maturity, scoring 74 off 75 balls, including 11 boundaries, before Maheesh Theekshana finally broke the stand in the 27th over.

Once settled, Fakhar Zaman turned the chase into a spectacle.

The experienced left-hander ended his century drought in emphatic fashion, hammering 127 off just 99 deliveries, decorated with 11 fours and six towering sixes, to register his 12th ODI century.

His commanding innings not only anchored Pakistan's chase but also ensured the required run rate never spiraled out of control.

Fakhar later added another crucial 57 runs alongside Salman Ali Agha (17) before Madushanka dismissed him in the 34th over. By then, however, Pakistan had built a platform strong enough to keep the chase alive.

The drama intensified in the closing overs as rising stars Hasan Nawaz and Arafat Minhas injected fresh momentum with a game-changing 94-run partnership.

Minhas produced a sensational counterattack, blasting 61 off only 31 balls, including three fours and four sixes, swinging the pressure firmly back onto Sri Lanka.

Although Asitha Fernando struck twice in the 48th over to create late tension, Pakistan's captain remained unfazed.

With victory within touching distance, Shaheen Shah Afridi stepped up and launched Madushanka over square leg for a towering six on the third ball of the penultimate over, sealing the championship in unforgettable fashion. Madushanka finished as Sri Lanka's standout bowler with figures of 3-63.

Earlier, after being asked to bat, Sri Lanka posted an imposing 325-8 from their 50 overs, thanks largely to a magnificent innings from Kamindu Mendis.

The stylish left-hander compiled a career-best 131 off 128 balls, while Pavan Rathnayake provided explosive support with 77 off 65 deliveries.

The pair's commanding 146-run partnership for the third wicket laid the foundation for Sri Lanka's formidable total and threatened to put the final beyond Pakistan's reach.

Pakistan's bowlers, however, fought back effectively in the latter stages.

Captain Shaheen Shah Afridi, Naseem Shah, Salman Ali Agha, and Haris Rauf claimed two wickets apiece, preventing Sri Lanka from pushing their total even higher.

Yet, on a night dominated by fearless batting and unforgettable moments, it was Fakhar Zaman's extraordinary century—followed by Shaheen's emphatic finishing blow—that ensured the Gaddafi Stadium erupted in celebration as Pakistan lifted the tri-series trophy after one of their finest ODI chases in recent memory.